After months of preparing for the MCAT, seeing the score lower than we wanted is a reality for many pre-med students. It can be an obstacle for many, wondering, “Is it worth retaking the MCAT?” and the ultimate question, “Will I do better this time?” The resources, money, and time it takes for the MCAT are factors you should consider if you’re in this scenario.
Number of Retakes
Most medical schools do not look down on applicants retaking the MCAT, while some schools admire and covet those who do since it shows resilience and commitment. Regardless, being strategic with your retakes is essential if you retake the MCAT. Doing worse, getting the same score, or only getting 3-4 points more can be a red flag for admission committees. One note to remember is that you can take the MCAT three times in one year and seven times during your lifetime. Additionally, there is a two-year limit; you can take the MCAT four times over two testing years.
For many, it’s easy to rush into immediately scheduling a retake time without weighing the pros and cons. If you just received your score, wait 3-7 days to process your emotions and then plan. It is best to always wait and prepare thoroughly before registering for a retake.
MD vs. DO
Whether you should take the MCAT depends on the type of medical school you want to apply to. The average MCAT score at the schools you’re looking into will be a more significant factor for MD schools. A good rule of thumb for MD schools is to retake the MCAT if you scored under a 510 and only retake above a 510 if you need it for a specific school or if you know exactly what to do to get a higher score. Sometimes, depending on your home state, you could get through with a lower score. Look at state schools, determine how many students they take locally, and see if you’d like to apply with your score. You’re safer for DO schools with a 505+ or even a 500+. If you’re open to DO schools, a tip is not to retake the MCAT if your score is 510+.
What Went Wrong?
Being honest about factors that may have caused you to score low is another significant aspect to consider for retakes. Pinpointing and changing it for the retake can make a difference. Some other common mistakes students tend to make include:
Rushing
Being stressed by the timer
Focusing on content because you are afraid to get questions wrong
Not learning well from the practice tests and assuming you “got it” just because you read the explanation
Struggling with the math
Being filled with doubt
Getting overwhelmed and frustrated by the process
Feeling stuck both when studying and when doing questions
Most students don’t improve on the MCAT the second time because they do not improve their habits since they repeat their mistakes from the first time. Keeping a physical inventory of what habits made you underperform and what went wrong can help you change for the retake and write down the good habits. Implement what you learned to make a difference.
Realistic Improvement
A majority of your success with the MCAT depends on how honest you can be with yourself. However, remember that being critical is not the same as being truthful. If you cannot be honest, you can trust someone else to be open about what happened. It’s essential to see the mistakes, not be harsh, and only focus on the errors.
When taking practice tests, try to go for a 10+ point improvement. A larger scale for improvement on practice tests can provide leeway on the actual MCAT. Additionally, give yourself enough time to study, make new changes, and seek help if you need more guidance. Rushing through the process will hurt more than help.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Are you in the right headspace?
Do you have clarity with your goals?
What do you need to work on to improve this time?
Can you be objective and do good self-analysis?
Are you able to improve based on the analysis?
Are you setting yourself up for success in your timeline?
Can you embrace the growth mindset to stay self-motivated?
Have you come up with a good plan?
Are you willing to get individualized help when needed?
Good luck, and keep going!
Thank you for reading,
Siri Nikku
Comments